Open Forum: School system followed procedure in hiring Thad Welch

Superintendent Pat Cooper

The Question: On the matter of Thad Welch (being hired) as a maintenance supervisor, then learning that he never graduated from high school, isn't it mandatory for applicants aspiring to work for the city or state to fill out a form stating ... educational background? Isn't this application supposed to be (reviewed) by someone of superiority in said job position?

- A.J. Daigle, Lafayette

The Answer: You are referring to the controversy surrounding Thad Welch, who was hired as a maintenance supervisor for the Lafayette Parish School System.

In January, after Welch had been working in the position since February 2012, the Lafayette Parish School Board questioned the validity of his claim to the job, after it was learned that he did not have the required high school diploma, although he had done similar work in Mississippi.

At the time, Superintendent Pat Cooper said he had not realized that Welch, who replaced two former employees, did not meet that requirement.

The Daily Advertiser reported at the time that Cooper said Welch had not misled anyone because Welch's resume had said only that he had attended high school in Magnolia, Miss. - not that he had graduated. Cooper also said Welch had never read the job description and didn't know of the requirement.

Since that time, Welch has begun working toward earning his GED.

Cooper told The Daily Advertiser Friday that procedures were followed in hiring Welch.

"Only 8 percent of the job requirements had to do with having a high school diploma," Cooper said. "Ninety-two percent was based on experience and work performance."

Of the eight candidates, none fit the job description perfectly, Cooper said, as is usually the case.

For example, one of the applicants may have had a high school diploma but no experience in school maintenance.

"(Welch) came closest in the committee's mind," Cooper said.

Although some school board members have tried to bring about Welch's termination, Cooper has steadfastly defended him, and he remains in the position.

In Louisiana, a school superintendent has ultimate hiring and firing power in his or her school district. The state Supreme Court Friday overturned a lower court ruling in a separate case and reaffirmed those rights.

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Open Forum: School system followed procedure in hiring Thad Welch

The Question: On the matter of Thad Welch (being hired) as a maintenance supervisor, then learning that he never graduated from high school, isn't it mandatory for applicants aspiring to work for the